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LAP BAND SURGERY SHOPPING LIST NON-food ITEMS: BBQ or Toilet tongs, for a good reach in the r.r. 4.98 Heating pad(12inx24in) 16.88 Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) 14.44 A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) xx.xx Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) 16.88 Make sure you have a good blender 19.97 Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) 2.88 Kitchen timer (digital – better for travelling) 3.47 Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) 4.88 PHARMACEUTICALS: Liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) 4.98 Chewable or liquid gas-x(I got strips, you will pay more than shown here) 3.60 Gauze Pads 4x4 6.57 Paper/bandage tape 2.57 Wet Wipes 2.64 Pill crusher 3.89 Chewable Vitamins 8.97 Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) 1.48 Cough Drops(Halls big box) 6.88 Stool Softener (Dr. asked me not to get this, if needed talk to him) xx.xx Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm(got chapstick – cherry – 2for deal) 0.88 FOOD ITEMS: Protein shakes(these vary from 22 – 55 dollars depending on quality and quantity) xx.xx Plenty of water(bottled Water for me 3cases 16oz. bottles 10.00) 10.00 broth or stuff to make broth(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.98 Sugar free popsicles 2.66 Sugar free Jello 0.50 Sugar free breath mints (chewable) 1.33 Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors(I don’t like CL so I got store brand/price per box) 2.50 Bouillon(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.07 Cream of Wheat 2.92 Creamy Soups 0.66 Applesauce 1.82 FAT FREE yogurt 1.76 Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage(on sale) 1.25 pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) 0.50 Sugar free hot cocoa 1.87 Decaf tea(got regular, decaf is a little more in cost) 2.12 CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable(one size larger than I wear, sweats, top and bottom) 15.88 Buttons downs or pullover(sale rack found $5.00 per, one size larger) 5.00 Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying(make sure they are a good pair) 12.88 Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires(I have a daughter and wife that helped here) 6.88 All these prices are from Wal-mart and I used my receipt for 4Oct07 to get most of the prices. I did try to give explanations where I could and those are in braces, i.e. - (). Good luck and remember, your positive attitude and positive resolve got you this far. You can get through this, be positive.

4mykidsinVale, I had to see a nutritionist the week before my surgery. I know all doctors have different things they want their patients to drink, but my doc has me on 1/2 cup of fluids every hour with sips of water in btwn.. Fluids included broth, sf popcyiles, sf/ff fudgecicles, diet v-8 splash (i really like that) yoplait smoothies and yogurt, crystal lite, propel, fruit juice (keep it at a minimal).. I like the sf italian ice.. im very lactose intolerant so the lactose is giving me diahreeha (cant spell). As far as protein goes, im using unflavored unjury, but i just purchased "profect" from Protica - Product Catalog . It hopefully will be easier for me to drink and carry to work. I can copy my list if you would like.. Just let me know.. Good luck & just keep in mind, every day gets a little bit better. :-) Lauri

AVOCADO! It is high in calories and healthy fats. Poach chicken breasts and shred them, smother them with avocado and it helps the chicken go down easy. At 5 weeks out I could also add a little cheddar cheese and taco sauce. It was delicious to me cuz I was tired of all the artificial sweet stuff...shakes, Jello, yogurt, pudding...blaaaa! (poached salmon will really up the protein)

Exactly what bodycando said! I was constantly comparing my ability to consume drinks with no problems and then the purées/yogurts at the next phase to others. I was convinced my surgeon left too large of a pouch. He convinced me everyone is different and the food stage would prove different. And it has. (I was sleeved 1/21)

Greek yogurt

One of the greatest things about losing weight was feeling good enough about myself to go on an online dating site and meeting my wonderful bf. That is when "my problem" started. Every time I had sex, I got a UTI. I went to a urologist and he has me taking an antibiotic a few hours before sex. Now, the next day I immediately get a yeast infection. I can't win. I went online to find some sort of home remedy because it's really getting expensive buying all this medication. One of the web sites said to shove a clove of garlic up there and it will get rid of yeast infections. I am afraid to try it. I had read to put unsweetened yogurt up there, but that is not very easy to get it in there where it needs to go. Okay, end of rant. :lol:

I know what you mean possymoo, I have 2weeks to go as well on clear liquids and protein shakes only, but be strong we can do this! I've been freezing shakes, then blending them to make smoothies which has helped. I also checked with my nut today who is letting me add in some yogurt next Thursday? Check with yours to see if they have other ideas as well. Be strong, we got this!

My doctor discouraged me from pureeing anything meat, said it can lead to food aversion later in the solid stage. I have to say I haven't been able to handle tuna salad since my surgery, and it was one of the things I pureed first. Honestly, I stuck to liquid protein my first month - shakes or soups. I just started adding "soft" foods like cooked asparagus and mushrooms to my soups. TOFU! I did a lot of soft tofu, lightly pan seared with seasonings. It was delicious! Greek yogurt, cottage cheese+applesauce, and avocado as well.

Try thinning it with Water, adding Splenda to sweeten to taste, and adding fruit. I use frozen berries in the summer. I thaw them in the microwave, add Splenda to sweeten them, then stir them in my yogurt. In the winter, instead of fruit, I add some canned pumpkin and vanilla and cinnamon. I use 1 cup Fage 0, 1/4 cup pumpkin, 1/4 cup Splenda, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. I also like to make it into a shake: Blend greek yogurt, splash of orange juice, Splenda to taste (I use about 1/4 cup), a couple of frozen strawberries, and water. When I first started drinking it, I used 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/8 cup water. Now, almost two years out, I use 1 cup yogurt and 1/8 cup water. You can also make a savory dip. Use greek yogurt and mix with ranch dressing mix. Thin with a little water if it's too thick. Lynda

The main benefit of the greek yogurt over regular yogurt is the lower carbs as well as a small increase in protein. As others have said it doesn't need to be plain greek yogurt the flavored ones are just as good you just have to keep track of the carbs because some of the flavored ones will have a lot more carbs, also remember that the ones with the chunks of fruit in them could be a problem post op when your aloud full liquids because the fruit chunks won't be aloud. You said you like MIO in your water, you might want to try adding that to your greek yogurt remember mio can be added to anything not just water to add a little taste. Hope this helps, good luck.

I have a Smith's grocery store where I live an I have found the ONLY Greek yogurt I can tolerate is the store brand Kroger Greek Light, they have plain, vanilla and flavored with small chunks of fruit in it. It's lower in sugar than alot out there. I have tried all the "name brands" and can't stand them. Good luck in your search

krogers carb master yogurt is really good !!!......you mentioned mio....i squirt a bit of mixed berry or orange/tangerine in my vanilla shake and thats about all ive been drinkin lately !!!

I am 6 weeks out. I can eat 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 3/4 of a chobani yogurt and could definitely put down a cup of pudding (if I liked the stuff). I was taught in my program to eat until satieted and try to limit the day to 3 meals. If I feel hungry, I can have a snack and usually choose a wedge of laughing cow cheese, a bit of salad (mostly lettuce), a cooked shrimp (I say cooked because there are some who eat it raw - eww). I would love to hear about others who have these 2 ounce restrictions because it is a different approach than I have.

I would stock up on all the foods you will need. I had plenty of jello, popsicles, yogurt, mash potatoes, creamy soups, etc. I also made sure I had all the drug orders filled and GasX strips. Good luck.

Few other things I'm going to add the list in the morning but Dr Sosa requires us to do liquid for a month or so then puree for another and then on 3 month we can have crackers but yeah every doctors diff about strict diet , I cant wait till I can chew ..... We can have 48 hours prior to surgery chicken,veg and beef broth , sugar free jello, g2. 80 g of proteinx, and specific multivitamin specifically made for gb patients,Water, diet cranberry ,diet cran grape ,white grape juice all must be all natural and nor from concentrate and fruit popsicles but AFTER SURGERY CONT ON THAT ^ UNTIL we see nutritionist a week after who says now we can have fat free pudding, plain low fat yogurt,Greek yogurt, sugar free fudge popsicles,baby food solid ,g2, diet cranberry juice, diet cran grape,white grape juice all Must be Not from concentrate, well strained cream of chicken,cream of broccoli and mushroom fat free from can Campbell's and protein must still be 80 g of proteinx yes proteinx is the name of the protein we must uSE FOR NOW well that's all I know of , of yeah apple juice same all natural not from concentrate and we must not have any chucks of fruit or meat in yogurt,food ,popsicles or cream soup

so is that when we are at the sweet spot? Whan I get full on a cheese stick? or a cup of yogurt? But eating fast or the wrong foods makes you vomit? Just wondering if I need an unfiill or make better choices? Help!

I was told that anything 9 grams or below of sugar is ideal. The NUT highly recommended OIKOS triple Zero, though it isn't my fave. I do prefer either the Dannon LIght and Fit CHerry greek yogurt or the Fage plain yogurt, though that is an acquired taste. I now love it! I do put some granola in it when I can find a decent one with low sugar.

Awesome!! omg its approaching fast lol. i just bought some Vitamins, yogurt, Jello, crystal light, and my Protein. i actually made a shake today and it was good, i got a sample from chike. how do you feel on your diet? what Protein powder did you buy? i bought one thats made from peas.

I'm one week post-op and get to go from Clear Liquids to full liquids for the next two weeks. As much as I disliked the Protein shakes pre-op, I can't wait to have one in the morning. I have been so damn hungry it's ridiculous. I have remained steadfast on the broth, Water, sugar-free popsicles, and just added Isopure clear drinks. I get in my 64 oz per day, but my stomach is growling constantly and have had a headache for days. I got off the painkillers in the hospital so I know it's not from those. I think I'm just freakin hungry! I truly didn't know if I could make it through the week, but I did it! Whew! I see y'all have been talking about yogurt. That sounds so awesome to me right now! But I don't think it's considered a liquid, but a soft protein, right? I just have to check because I'm just looking for a way to say it's a liquid. Pathetic! I know! Thanks!

I'm 8 weeks out from surgery and having trouble introducing new foods. Apparently in now lactose intolerant. I can handle cheese but not yogurt or milk. Also meats don't sit very well with me either. Fruits and veggies hurt my pouch and shakes make me gag now. I've been eating mostly eggs, beans, and cheese every day and getting so sick of it! Any suggestions? Also we eat almost every meal away from home... So grab and go is the best for us!

You have to eat and drink whether or not you feel like it. I am basically living off of yogurt, tuna, chicken and cheese.

June 14, 2008 Down 4 pounds in 24 hours is quite amazing to me, however, I realize that the pounds are going to just drop off here at first. Yesterday was my first day on a Pre-Op two week diet. I had 1 Slim Fast Optima, 1 Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, a serving of grapes, 1/2 an apple, 1 can of vegetarian vegetable soup, one 8 oz glass of skim milk with a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed in, and 1 cup of no-fat cottage cheese. Oh and of course plenty of water, which I love. Actually, it wasn't so bad. I kept myself busy with reading, computer work, laundry. That's the key. I need to redirect my life. I'm looking into starting my own web site so that will take some time. This morning I got up at 7:00 and took a walk with the dogs. We walked down to the pond, which is a little ways away, downhill. The dogs loved the water and romped and played. So they got their exercise too. The trudge back up the hill was a killer, but I know it will get easier with time. If I consider my alternatives, (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, death), I rather like this hiking up and down hills. The Slim Fast tasted better this morning: Strawberry Cream, which I thought would be delicious, turns out NOT to be. Plus I had a yogurt, Activia, which I didn't get in yesterday. All the foods I mentioned are all that I will eat for the next two weeks. This was given to me by the dietitian. Why, I bet I lose 20 pounds even before surgery! The dietitian explained to me that the reason for this diet is to help the liver to lose weight. Fatty tissue built up around the liver is not good and hinders absorption of proper nutrients. I know there is more to it than that. I will need to research that again. So, I'm off and running. Well, actually, not running yet. That will come later, I hope.

So I made my first ever smoothie today. Used some unflavored Protein powder (and, no, I can't taste it), Fage 2% Greek yogurt (I know why it's a substitute for sour cream), blueberries, milk, ice. I think I needed to use more ice or milk or add some Water to it. Smoothie is good - but really thick - like normal yogurt. However, I really can taste the sourness of the Greek yogurt. I know others have sweetened it with SF syrups. However, before I buy big bottles of this stuff, I was wanting to try them to see if there are any flavors that I won't like. Does anyone know of where I can get samples of the SF syrups? Thanks.

Greek yogurt with some Fiber One Cereal every morning for breakfast. I usually have 2 or 3 oz of baked chicken for lunch or dinner. I only cook chicken since that is all my son will eat. I also keep turkey jerky and roasted edemame for emergency snacks. And on occasion I have a protein bar if I really need something extra

Hi, First you gotta get the fluids in. That's probably the most important thing you could do right now. Dehydration is terrible and is difficult to recover from. Try different things, like Powerade Zeros or Mios anything. Decafe iced tea. I am not a big Water drinker either, but I get mine in. Being sick compounds the need for more fluids. Ya just gotta do it. Try some SF Popsicles. They work well when you are really dry. Try swishing when you drink. You can take a sip, swish then swallow. It gets more of the liquid moving through the mouth and makes it feel like you have had more to drink that you really have. Mushies can be anything that will go into a blender or can be mashed. I make egg salad alot, it went down fine. Cottage cheese works too. I put roasted chicken in the blender with some Italian salad dressing and a bit of balsamic. That was really good. Greek yogurt gets the Proteins in and is very soft. You can splash a little sugarfree syrup into it and its good. You got this, but you can't NOT do something, got to get it going.